Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, offers visitors the opportunity to camp along nearly a mile of oceanfront property, blending recreational activities with scenic coastal views.
Situated about seven miles from downtown Myrtle Beach and five miles from the Myrtle Beach Airport, this 310-acre property caters to RV campers, tent campers, and guests seeking vacation home rentals.
The campground, recognized in 2022 as the “Mega Park of the Year” by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, attracts thousands of visitors annually.
The facility boasts 859 pull-through sites equipped with electricity, water, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV hookups. Furnished rentals are also available for those seeking a more traditional lodging experience.
According to Explore, its Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center offers indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, a splash zone, and mini-golf, alongside arts and crafts and a Nature Center Discovery Lab for marine life education. These amenities cater to a range of ages, contributing to the site’s appeal as a family destination.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground was established in 1971 by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters.
Starting with 30 campsites, the campground grew to include 2,572 annual lease sites and employs more than 700 team members during peak camping season. With daily guest numbers ranging from 25,000 to 35,000, it is one of the largest campgrounds in the United States.
“We could do a lot of things with 310 oceanfront acres in Myrtle Beach, and we’ve had many lucrative offers, but we believe that everyone – the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker – should have the privilege of enjoying God’s beautiful ocean,” Nelson Jackson stated on the Ocean Lakes Family Campground’s website.
Beyond the campground, Myrtle Beach offers diverse attractions for visitors. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a mile-long downtown stretch, features restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
Nearby landmarks include the SkyWheel, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Myrtle Beach State Park, which is popular for hiking and bird-watching. Myrtle Beach’s reputation as an affordable vacation destination is bolstered by its combination of natural beauty, recreational activities, and family-oriented attractions.
The campground’s legacy continues to reflect the founders’ vision of providing inclusive access to the beach, a principle that has helped make it a prominent feature of the Myrtle Beach community.
Featured image by Ocean Lakes Family Campground via oceanlakes.com
